Help! My Dog Needs to lose weight

A Clear, Safe & Supportive Guide to Weight Management in Dogs needing to lose weight

Helping a dog lose weight and maintain a healthy weight—whether adult or puppy—works best when the process is structured, consistent, and grounded in observation. As canine nutritionists, our focus is on helping you understand what to monitor and how to make informed, practical adjustments. This guide outlines safe, non‑medical steps for tracking progress and supporting your dog’s nutritional needs.

For Adult Dogs (17 Months or Older)

1. Veterinary Check

If your dog hasn’t had a recent vet visit, arrange one before making dietary changes. This ensures you have up‑to‑date information on their overall health and any factors that may influence weight.

2. Assess Body Condition

Rather than relying on weight alone, use a 9‑point body condition score:

• 5 – Ideal

• 4 – Leaner but healthy

• 6 – Slightly above ideal

Some breeds naturally sit closer to a 4 or a 6, so use the score as a guide rather than a target.

3. Dietary Considerations

If Not Yet Raw‑Fed or on a Mixed Diet

If your vet has not identified a medical reason for weight change, you may choose to transition to a raw diet for a clearer, more controlled nutritional profile.

• Begin at 2.5% of current weight using our feeding calculator.

• Follow a gradual three‑week transition.

• Re‑weigh and reassess body condition after the transition.

• Adjust feeding amounts based on body condition observations:

  • Above 5 → reduce to 2% of current weight

  • At 5 → maintain and monitor every two weeks

  • Below 4–5 → increase to 3% until stable

If Already Fully Raw‑Fed

If your dog has experienced digestive upsets, complete a dietary reset before adjusting feeding amounts.

Supportive steps for weight management include:

• Using raw food as training rewards instead of treats

• Avoiding root vegetables (e.g., pumpkin, carrots, squash, parsnips)

• Consider Prodog Raw Perform Supplement for additional nutrients

• Ensuring feeding amounts do not drop below 2% of body weight

• Choosing lean to moderate‑fat proteins, with one higher‑fat option weekly

• Using smaller eggs such as quail eggs if preferred

Tracking Progress

Monitor all food intake for two weeks, then reassess. If progress slows, adjust oily fish within meals rather than adding extra portions.

By week four, you should see observable changes. If not, arrange a follow‑up vet visit and take with you:

• A four‑week feeding diary

• Pre‑feeding photos (top and side views)

For Puppies (Under 17 Months)

Puppies grow rapidly, and their shape can change quickly. Before altering their diet, ask your vet to assess:

• Current weight

• Body condition

• A four‑week food and exercise diary

  
  

Safe, Non‑Medical Weight‑Support Steps for Puppies

• Transition to a raw diet if you choose a species‑appropriate approach

• Use raw food or play as rewards instead of treats

• Replace “puppy” branded foods with raw options to introduce lean proteins

• Avoid root vegetables (e.g., pumpkin, carrots, parsnips, sweet potato)

• Adjust feeding amounts gradually—if nearing a new weight bracket, reduce by 0.5% per week for a smooth transition, using our feeding allowance calculator.

  
  

Supporting Healthy Progress

Consistent monitoring of food intake, body condition, and daily routine helps you understand what supports your dog’s wellbeing. Small, thoughtful adjustments—paired with regular veterinary input—create a safe, steady path toward maintaining a healthy weight.